A week before the end of 2009, there has been a new contender for soccer cleat of the year released: the Adidas adiPURE III. If you have spoke to me about soccer cleats in the last few months, I am sure to have told you about how much I love the adiPURE II, and how I deem it to be one of the best cleats on the market right now. Well Adidas has taken the initiative to update the boot to a version III that boasts some new features without losing out on performance. Over the past month, I have had the opportunity to test the adiPURE III in 3.5 games and dozens of training sessions and here are my thoughts. I was testing a men’s size 9US in Black/Royal White/ Gold.
What you need to know:
- Kangaroo leather upper
Adidas has stuck to using a K-leather for the adiPURE III. People have been questioning why they transitioned to calf leather with the Predator X range, but with applause, I am happy to report that these cleats sport a super soft K-leather. - New redesigned tongue
Adidas has moved away from the wrap around tongue, and back to a more traditional loose tongue. On the adiPURE II, the tongue was attached to the cleat on the inside, while the outside was detached. The adiPURE III is detached on both sides. - Off centered lacing
Just like the adiPURE II, the adiPURE III sports asymmetrical lacing This results in a strike area with a larger sweet spot for clean strikes. - Firmer Insole
This version of the adiPURE boasts a firmer insole that is designed to cushion impact in a more dynamic way. The heel has extra cushioning to allow for softer landings.
First Thoughts
If you are a fan of flashy cleats that offer all the performance of a Formula One race car, then you are probably not going to want a pair of adiPURE III’s. But if you want a classic cleat, that offers the best performance and extreme durability at a reasonable cost, go buy a pair now! Straight out of the box, these cleats ooze class. The K-leather is super soft and extra shiny. They almost look like someone has covered them in dubbing (leather food).
Breaking In
Not the smartest thing in the world, but I took these cleats out of the box and straight to a match! After testing the adiPURE II, I had a feeling that these cleats would break in easily, and they did! Thankfully, the soft K-Leather moulds pretty easily to your foot, and the sole plate is flexible enough hat it didn’t cause any foot discomfort on day 1. After a
month of testing, I encountered absolutely no blisters, and didn’t experience any areas where the cleat was tight. For this review I was wearing a size 9US, and the boots fit true to size. If you are normally a size 9, then these are the right fit. Another aspect that really helps, and is something that Adidas also deployed in the Predator X design, is a ridged area on the inner heel of the cleat. I think this is a genius move, as it allows the cleat to grip to your heel and not move, thus lowering the opportunity for blisters to occur (as long as the boot is not too tight!). You can see what I am referring to in the image.
Performance and Durability
I found these to perform really well. They break in easily, molding to your foot from day one, and they last because of this. I have had a pair of adiPURE II’s for the past 5-6 months, and they are my go-to boot when I need a trusted pair. Right now, they are still as good as new (except for some scuffs on the white area) and the leather is softer than you can imagine! Although I have only had the adiPURE III for about a month, I can tell they are going to offer the same lifespan. And that is a key attribute to any new cleat! I also like the new tongue, even though I had no problem with the tongue on the adiPURE III. The new tongue makes you feel like you are wearing Copa Mundial or older classic cleats!
Design
Adidas has altered the design of the cleat. Most notable is the addition of three white strips on the inside of the cleat. On the adiPURE II, there are no white strips on the inside. For me, this is an upgrade in terms of looks. The sole of the boot has also been changed, but the only players that will see this are the ones you leave eating your dust (if you are a goalkeeper I doubt anyone will see it!!) Other minor changes include the area around the cleat opening, where the color design has been changed and a new gold version of the adiPURE signature placed on a black background instead of white.
adiPURE II vs adiPURE III
Negatives
Again with the laces! In the past few weeks, I have reviewed cleats with laces that I deem to be too short, what is this all about? When I tie my laces, I need enough to wrap around the bottom of my cleat, it seems that this might be going out of fashion, although I have no idea why! One other thing is the insole. I was a huge fan of the adiPURE II insole that offered a much spongier feel, which I found to be extremely comfortable. In saying this, the firmer insole in the adiPURE III is very effective around the heel area. Maybe a blend of both in future releases?
Conclusion
My opinion of this cleat is pretty obvious; I like them a lot! But, case in point is your taste and what you are looking for in a cleat. The adiPURE III might be more appealing to the old pros than the younger generation who crave the lighter more colorful cleats on the market. Either way, the adiPURE III can not be beaten in terms of quality and value for money. Adidas have used this release as more of a design upgrade than performance upgrade, simply because they know that in the adiPURE III they have a cleat that already offers the best on the market! Expect to see the likes of Kaka and Frank Lampard taking to the field in these over the coming weeks.
(boots supplied for review by soccer.com)
Lucas,
Cleat leather food can be used on black boots, and I would apply it once a week after you play and have cleaned your boot. Keeping them clean and dry is more important than leather food!
In your opinion, what would be the best boot for a wide foot? would these or the adizero leathers be good for a wide fit?
Bryan,
What socks are you wearing in the last picture of the review. They look very high quality and am looking to switch socks after being unhappy with Nike's Total 90 line of socks. I have found choice of socks to be critical in the fit of the boot. Thanks.
are these cleats waterproof? if not can you spray them with something to make them water proof?
Daniel,
I am medium to wide fit and these were comfortable. Under Armour Dominates are safest bet if you are looking for a wide fitting boot.
Busby,
I have Nike's on, but the best option to wear is the Adidas Formotion, you can get them online and at most stores.
Eric,
They are not waterproof. Some leather food will help keep the leather soft, but ultimately you wont be able to weatherproof them.
Hey Bryan, was wondering, I want to get these boots , i usually play right back or right wing midfield. I dribble often and usually set up shots rather than take my own. I have thought of getting these boots for some time. I have been looking around, can you suggest to me any other alternatives for the same price range? I just looked up the mercurial miracles, i have to admit, i was never a fan of mercurials, but those boots are really growing on me. And are these much different from the adicores when broken in?
Shaun,
Both the adipures and Miracles are excellent options. Check out the Nike Maestri Trequartista, also a very good option for what your looking for.
One notable thing about these new adiPURE is the Traxion studs. I found these VERY effective compared to the adiPURE II's, where I had the frequent problem of slipping. With the adiPURE III's, I am performing cuts and quick changes of speed and direction alot better and efficiently than the adiPURE II's, which is more than crucial in my defensive position.
Hi,
I bought a pair of adipure 3's because the adipure 1's and 2's, I thought we're amazing! The adipure 3's lasted me about 2 months at very most. Sole plate was coming away from the front of the foot. I always have this problem, the sole plate either comes apart or the join begins to peel away and I'm left with a hole (This happened to me on Pred X's). I was looking at the CTR's and although an avid adidas buyer, seen that the sole plate comes up more than original sole plates. Does this give more protection to the ripping at the toe and to the sole plate peeling away? I'm using copa's the now, which speak for themselves, bit season starts on Saturday and looking for new boots. I've also noticed that the copa's and adipure 2's seem to have a stud that attaches the sole plate to bottom of the boot, which the adipure 3's don't have. Any ideas or comments?
Hey Bryan, i was wondering whether you would recommend the adipure 2's, adipure 3's, or puma powercats. I really can't decide, and i was wondering if you could give me some advice. I play defensive midfield, if that makes 1 of the cleats more preferable.
Hey Brian, I'm just wondering of the adiPure's have any differance in terms of performance, comfort, fict touch and support when broken in than the adiCore's. I bought adiCore's in July, and the kangaroo leather is great. but thesole plate is a little bit sstiff, and it seem like the studs are placed in more awkward positions. over all I really love them, but are the adi Pure's like them in any way?
Selam,
Both the Adipure II and III are great options. They have very similar properties, so if it comes down to money go with the best deal, you are getting a great boot either way.
sorry to trouble you again, but yeah, during your experience with both boots, which one provided more comfort? the mercurial miracle's or the adipure 3's?
You gave both the adipure II and III a 10 in durability, but I have heard A LOT of people talking about how the upper split from the sole in a very short time. Are yours still holding up well? Can you give an estimate on how much longer they will last?
Bryan,
how do i keep my adipure II dry? as in how do you wash your boots and what do you do after the rain? how do you dry them? I seriously need a in-depth answer. so PLEASE REPLY! THANKS
Bryan,
I was just wondering, I have wide feet, they will be tight to start with, but will they fit wider once they are broken in?
[...] Adidas adiPure III Expert Review [...]
i’m so glad i got these adipure 3s (2010WC-colorway) instead of the puma v1.10s.
my foot size is a big 10US and i got these adipure 3s at size 10US and they were tight length-wise for the first 3 games that i played in them, but width-wise, they were a bit loose at first but they eventually moulded to my rather-narrow feet and now they’re okay (after 5 games). At first, my laces loosened quite quickly and i had to retie them all the time, but now they’re okay too.
i never got any blisters whatsover from day 1, although my heel did feel a bit uncomfy (from abrasion) on the first ever match that i wore them in. (i didnt wear them in any trainings / didn’t break them in >>> went straight to a match
).
i fell in love with my adipure 3s now
Bryan, i wonder when will u get to review a Mizuno Wave Ignitus cuz i’m really interested in that shoe
.
Hey brian can you please please please write a Copa mundial review????
Hi Bryan, I was wondering if you know anything about the adicore III, the positives and negatives of it. I am thinking of buying a pair but dont know any background information.
Thanks
Hey this may be a stupid question – but I have a pair of Copa Mundials size 11 and they fit me perfectly. Would the Adipure III size 11's be roughly the same fit for me?
Let me know, thanks.
Hey i was wondering which do you prefer? the adiPURE II or adiPURE III?
I need a new pair of cleats and I found a website for both that have my size in stock. I cant seem to choose between the two. Also, when ordering, my normal size is 10 US, so for adiPUREs should i order a size less or should i just stick with size 10 as they will only stretch alittle bit?
Much thanks guys!
Ricky,
Stick with the size 10, and both are great options! I would say go for price, there is no difference in technology between both, it is mostly design.
Are these cleats heavy? do you notice the weight when running compared to a lighter nike mercurial cleats?
Rick,
Weight wise you won't notice the difference – the adiPUREs feel light on your feet.
Is the indoor version same good as this?
Bryan,
I usually play defensive mid and occasionally defense, and I was wondering whether these would be the best boot for me. I want a lot of protection (I hate getting stepped on hard) and generally like adidas products (I have the old f50s and they are destroyed). I also want to stay under $175. Any other recommendations?
Dan,
These are a good all around boot. As far as boots go, they offer decent protection! Another option you might want to check out is the Concave PT range, as they are designed for protection.
Hi bryan, i am looking for a solid boot for a player who plays almost everyday, I play center back/mid would these boots be good for me? also i have had copa mundials and i loved those but i was looking for a bit of an upgrade, i have heard these resemble the copas and i wanted your opinion, THANKS
Ben,
They are basically the new age version of the Copa's, and they perform very well for all players on the field. I also got really good wear out of them, so they are durable enough to last everyday play.
Recently changed from Mercurial Nikes to The adiPure III and felt a big improvement in comfort and I liked the more classic design, great cleats
oh one more thing, with the copas i would tie the boot up really tight so the two edges of the lacing area touched and completely covered the tounge, i was wondering if it would work for these. Thanks again
would u recommend them to a winger or striker
Bryan, i have been thinking about these cleats for a very long while, but am still pondering the CRT360, wich did you prefer? Durability and touch are important. Thanks in advance
hey bryan, nice review!
I'm getting new cleats soon but I can't decide between these and predator x. I play centre back, right back and centre mid so I need a pretty versatile cleat. which cleats do you recommend I buy?
thanks in advance
John,
Both are great options in terms of touch and feel, the CTR360 has the added bonus of being designed for playmakers. In terms of durability, I found the adiPures to be better, and since testing the CTR360 have heard negative feedback from other players on durability (I found they were fine for me)
Daniel,
Both boots are definitely versatile – the Pred X offers more in terms of protection (if you tackle a lot).
Hey Bryan, i usually play right back or defensive mid-fielder, i have always worn total90 or tiempo's but they always gave me blisters on my ankles even with athletic tape, i switched cleats and currently wear the green/black F50i Adidas and they fit perfectly, but i was thinking of buying these Adipures, would you recommend these?
F50i and adiPures do have a similar shape and fit…so these I would recommend!
hey Bryan,
hey Brayan,
so i play both rugby and soccer and i am wondering if these cleats will hold up threw a season of rugby and some casual soccer(i dont play for a team but i might join a summer league this upcoming year) ….the problem is im allowed one pair of cleats each year that cost up to 140 bucks so its either these "top level" cleat or maybe some "mid level" like the t90 strike or pred x absolion.
also have you ever thought about writing on the difference of cleats like pred X and Pred x absolion and pred x absolado or maybe on the t90 laser, strike, and shoot? i think if you did that it would help a lot of people (including myself) decide wich level of boot is best to get
Hi Bryan,
I am goin to order a pair of adipure IIIs and want to be sure of what size to get. I currently play with t90 shoot in a size 11US but my running shoes are adidas size 10.5wide. What size do you recommend I get? Thank you in advance.
Jesse,
Your running shoes are tighter than your soccer cleats? That is a little confusing! The adiPure is going to have similar length to the T90 Shoot but they have very different shapes. To be honest, I would recommend finding a store where you can try them out in order to get the best fit. Sorry!
Hey Bryan, i love your website!
Anyways i just bought my adidas adipure 3 and i ordered .5 size up, im a 10 (US) and i orderd a 10.5. Its a little roomy but i want it too be tight, how can i shrink the boot by .5?
@Sindri,
The only thing you can do is wear extra socks – there is no safe way to shrink boots unfortunately (basically, you can't alter the size of the soleplate!)
@Bryan
Will the K-leather completly mould to my foot? Because i had a pair of Adicore 3's (Gold/Black) in a 10.5 and ive had them for about 1 year and there nice and tight on me. Will it be the same? and will te extra socks hurt feel of the ball?
Thanks So Much Bryan!
@Sindri,
Because the adiPure is leather they will mold to your fit in the same fashion as the adicore. Extra socks will take away some of the feel, but you shouldn't need extra socks if you get the right size!
Hey I noticed at a soccer store that the instep of the shoes leather is a bit stiff than the rest of the boot. I was wondering if it became softer over time because the new adipure IV leather is soft all over, but i like the looks of the adipure III better. So does the leather on the instep become soft or just stays stiff?
@Nick,
Once you break them in, you will find they are soft all around. They are a great option, especially since you can get good deals on them right now!
is the upper still attached to the soleplate? I've heard so many stories about the shocking durability
I agree with Bryan, I found the Adipure cleats to be soft once they are broken in. I find them to be a very comfortable soccer cleat.